The Green Eyes, Inspired by Resignation Syndrome, Opens Locarno Film Festival with a Refugee Child’s Perspective to “Revive Empathy”
The 79th edition of the Locarno Film Festival commenced on Wednesday, showcasing a poignant refugee adventure drama that aims to open hearts and minds. The film, titled Les Yeux Verts (The Green Eyes), is set to make its world premiere at the Piazza Grande in Locarno, Switzerland. This screening follows the presentation of the Excellence Award to Italian actress Isabella Rossellini.
Plot Overview
The Green Eyes tells the story of Chaya, an 11-year-old girl living with her family in the Landes region of France, near the ocean. As the family faces deportation, Chaya’s older brother, Nour, falls into a mysterious and deep sleep. Chaya is determined to awaken him, even venturing into his dreams to find him. The film delves into the concept of “resignation syndrome,” a rare condition affecting psychologically traumatized refugee children, leading them to enter a coma-like state of withdrawal.
Production Details
The film is a co-production among France, Belgium, and Sweden. It features a cast that includes Douae Butarbuch M’Zaouki, Sayyid El Alami, Anamaria Vartolomei, Arcadi Radeff, and Omar Al Jbaai. The screenplay was co-written by directors Fanny Liatard and Jérémy Trouilh, alongside Guillaume Laurant. Cinematography was handled by Victor Seguin, while editing was done by Tina Baz and Daniel Darmon. Filmcoopi Zürich serves as the Swiss distributor, with Kinology managing international sales.
Directors’ Vision
Liatard and Trouilh describe The Green Eyes as an adventure and a story of resilience told from a child’s perspective, set against a turbulent world. They emphasize the importance of reviving empathy for those often dehumanized in society, particularly in the context of migration. The directors were inspired by the violence of children’s reactions to political decisions beyond their control, leading them to explore the theme of resilience through imagination.
In their research, they encountered a child who had experienced resignation syndrome. The child recalled dreaming of being trapped in a glass cage at the bottom of the ocean, a powerful image that influenced the film’s narrative. The directors aimed to portray the landscape of the South-West of France as a character in itself, adding a magical element to the story.
Casting Insights
The casting process for The Green Eyes took over a year, with the team searching across various cities, including Paris, Marseille, and Brussels, to find the right actor for Chaya. Douae Butarbuch M’Zaouki was discovered in Belgium, where she resides with her family. At just 10 years old, this was her first acting experience. The directors noted her unique charisma and the profound light she brought to the character.
Sayyid El Alami and Anamaria Vartolomei played significant roles in helping Douae connect with her character, fostering a bond that enriched the story.
Symbolism of the Title
The title The Green Eyes was conceived early in the screenwriting process. The directors believe it evokes imagination and symbolizes both the trauma experienced by the siblings and the love that unites them. It serves as a lasting reminder of the challenges they face together.
As reported by www.hollywoodreporter.com.
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Published on 2026-08-03 18:05:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk